Repair or replace galvanized pipe in house?

Galvanized pipes can be a costly issue for a home. They tend to corrode from the inside out at times with little pin-hole leaks, which makes the discovery of them difficult to find and the cost of the damage can build up over time. Most homes are no longer built with galvanized pipes (most stopped in the 80’s). For those who have them, it is only a matter of time before you have to deal with them. It would be recommended to re-pipe the house at some point because of the eventual failure of the pipes. It really depends if you know the age of the pipes and if any leaks have been found, or disclosed. Re-piping can be very expensive, it is advised that you would shop around and research your options - many people have gone to cPVC or Pex piping. Each has advantages and disadvantages so it would be good to meet with several licensed plumbers to see what they recommend. You want to be sure you go with someone known for quality. I had a pipe repair done in my house and they put a “sleeve” over a vertical pipe (which you do not do!) and it ended up leaking about 1.5 years later. Thank God we caught it. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like some recommendations.

For this kind of stuff I recommend you get a good handyman that can do everything from appliance repair to staircase building, etc, because they can give you good deals over a lifetime. My handyman also happens to be a technician so it's great. He has a full time job but also does private jobs for me on the side at my home whenever I need them, and he could so this! I hope you can find someone like that.

I've replace the galvanized pipes for fresh water. Someone please report opinion, experience, referrals, etc. for handling galvanized piping for home sewage lines.
This is a really stressful problem, dealing with insurances adds to it, and it appears circling the home with new materials is this only option!

I want to know when galvanized piping for home use (water and sewer lines) was stopped. I call one agent of a builder I know and he could not say when it happened.
As a broker in my 39th year and dealing with west Houston, I want to know not only for myself but clients buying homes 20 to 25 years old.
Brenda Peavy, PV Properties brenda@pv-properties.com

Repipe the entire house and that is my recommendation. Cost less and worry free for a long time to come!


Chris
Coldwell Bankers United Realtors
832-859-8698
ChrisRealEstatePro.com

Without knowing the age of the pipes, and the hardness of the water, and without having a visual of the piping configuration, it is difficult to advise whether or not to replace. Some of my clients who own older homes have replaced galvinized piping some have not, (yet). The best advice would be to interview master plumbers and get a variety of opinions. there’s a weekend radio show “Tom Tynan Show” and on Tom’s website there is a wealth of information about plumbing and list of plumbers and building contractors he endorses. I hope this helps you. I’m happy to chat with you if you need more specific info. to contact me use the contact form on HAR. Thx, v

I am not a specialist in plumbing field, so I can't give you straight answer. I would think that replacing galvanized pipes would be the best and most economical option as other agents mentioned. You may contact some plumbing companies for advice, recommendations and price. Last year my buyers got estimates when they were buying a house with galvanized pipes which had small pin holes and home inspector recommendation was to replace those leaking galvanized pipes. They got estimates from:

1. TDT PLUMBING
4918 Pinemont Drive, Suite A
Houston, Texas 77092
713 697 2088 (office)
713 695 3692 (Fax)
eschwausch@tdtplumbing.com
www.tdtplumbing.com

2. WE DO REPIPES
40 Cypress Creek Pkwy. suite # 280
Houston, TX 77090
tel: 832-819-8337

Good luck!

Hi Helen,

The possible use life of the galvanize pipes are 50 years. And most houses in last 50 years dont have these pipes. Big possibility their use life is ended. With years the pipes get brittle and repair is tricky. Once there is a leak, galvanize pipe is more prone to fail other places as well. If it goes with second and third repair, it will be costlier than replacement. Considering all these, I recommend replacement.

Regards,

Cagdas Acar
Msc PSA VLB Realtor
832-283-1091
acarster@gmail.com
www.har.com/cagdasacar

Heck yeah replace that galvanized pipe w pex. Hot water side will most likely start leaking first, so that's a good place to start on a tight budget.

Since you are asking about galvanized pipes, I have to assume that your home was built prior to 1970 when galvanized pipes were heavily used in home construction. The lifespan of galvanized pipes carrying water is roughly 40 years. So your pipes are nearing the end of their life. Even though these pipes may look good on the outside, there is a lot of calcification and buildup that accumulates on the insides resulting in low flow and its only a matter of time before leaks start -- slow leaks are worse than a large one since they are harder to locate- you will usually find them after much damage has already occurred. If you are doing a substantial renovation and tearing down sheet rock you may want to go ahead and invest in the new pipes such as PVC or pex. Although whole house repiping will cost a fair bit up front, you will be heading off any water leaks and potential water damage. It will also be a great selling feature should you choose to sell and in the mean time, the residents will enjoy the improved pressure and flow.

Hi Helen!
Since I do not know what the current state the pipes in question are in, I would first look out for warning signs. Does the water look rusty? Is it possible for you to make a basic repair without causing more damage? Has the plumber been called out for this problem already? There are many factors that go into deciding whether it is time to replace and not just repair. I am not a plumber but I would take a closer look at the whole situation to make a final call. I would also get a few quotes and go with the reputable plumber that informs you the most on your problem .This can get costly so do a bit of research to see how you can get the plumbing right and in working order. If it is in need of a minor repair, As Good As Done Services can look at it for you. He is bonded and can give you an honest opinion. 832.902.8850 ask for George.

Home builders no longer use galvanized piping for a plethora of reasons. The main reason is the cost. However, the long-term viability of galvanized pipes renders it secondary to the newer materials such as PVC. Galvanized pipes are known to develop pin-hole leaks as a result of usage and time. In other words, it is only a matter of time before galvanized piping develops a pin-hole leak.
Further, a pin-hole leak can do more damage than a larger leak. Large leaks are usually discovered instantaneously and corrected. On the other hand, a pin-hole leak may not be discovered for years. Meanwhile, the moisture introduced in a dark place promotes mold growth.
Keeping these concerns in mind, as a Buyer, would you prefer to purchase a home with PVC, PEX or galvanized piping?

I have just taken Inspection class with Fred Wilcox. According to him, galvanized pipe leaks will calcify and seal itself. The owner of the house, however, will want to replace the pipe after tiring of fixing walls and ceiling around the house that caused by those leaks. Nowadays, people replace galvanized pipes with pex. However, according to him, pex pipes are not always the best material to carry water. He suggested to bust all the wall and replace galvanized pipes with copper pipes for the best health of the house owners.